Everton and Leeds United seem to be getting in each other’s way in the transfer market this summer. Now, the Toffees want a player who Daniel Farke has had his eye on for some time.
Leeds United under Daniel Farke have a habit of keeping tabs on players across multiple transfer windows, as seen with the seemingly pending arrival of Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United.
Reports have it that Leeds are close to signing Longstaff in a £12million deal: the Magpies academy graduate was first linked with a move to Elland Road in 2023, then again in the last January transfer window.
Indeed, a lot of names who were linked with Leeds in January have been linked once again this summer: Leeds United remain interested in Emi Buendia for example, along with Gustavo Hamer and James McAtee as the no.10 position looks set for overhaul.
Leeds United wanted to sign McAtee on loan last January. There were even links at the end of the 2023/24 season. But he remained at Man City where he now looks set for a permanent departure, ahead of his contract expiring in 2026.
Angus Kinnear during Leeds United vs Hull City.
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What’s being said about James McAtee as Everton join Leeds United in transfer race
Going into this summer, it was reported that Leeds United still want to sign McAtee from City, who look set to allow the 22-year-old to move on, but for a fee in the region of £25million, potentially rising to £30million depending on how many teams make a firm move for the midfielder.
iNews are now reporting that Everton are in the mix. Angus Kinnear left his position as chief executive at Leeds United this summer to take up a similar role at Everton, and he and David Moyes are now keen on signing McAtee, and that the Toffees have already been in ‘dialogue’ with City over a potential deal for the player.
Recent reports revealed the widespread Bundesliga interest in McAtee this summer: it’s thought that at least five top flight German teams are courting the England U21s str including Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen.
Close up image of James McAtee in action for Manchester City.
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What James McAtee said about his Man City future amid Leeds United transfer rumours
It’s no secret that McAtee is considering his future at the Etihad. Previous reports this summer revealed how McAtee is stalling on signing a new contract with Man City, and that manager Pep Guardiola won’t stand in McAtee’s way if he really wants to leave the club this summer.
Then speaking out after opting to play for England’s U21s this summer instead of Man City in the Club World Cup, McAtee potentially hinted at leaving Man City with some firm comments: “I don’t regret my decision at all. I’m happy I’m here and my focus is here and not on the Club World Cup.”
For Leeds, McAtee could be the real marquee signing of the summer. But Everton are just one of a number of other clubs, in England and in Europe, to have shown a firm interest in signing the Man City academy graduate this summer.